Foods For Hypothyroidism

The human Thyroid Gland is shaped like a butterfly and is located just below the Adams’ Apple in the neck. It requires iodine, which is typically supplied through our diet. The thyroid is the only organ in the body that uses iodine and it doesn't really need that much - the average adult only uses around one teaspoon of iodine during their entire life. Nevertheless, iodine deficiency continues to be the number one cause of hypothyroidism globally predominantly because there are large numbers of people with the disorder in developing countries without adequate access to dietary iodine. Therefore, ensuring sufficient iodine intake is a primary consideration when it comes to the best foods for hypothyroidism. Ideally we should have around 15 to 20 mg of iodine stashed away in our body at any one time. The thyroid stores 70 - 80% of this, which it combines with tyrosine, an amino acid, to produce the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). About 80% of thyroid hormone produced by the thyroid is T4. The remainder is the much more concentrated T3. However, the body subsequently converts most of the T4 to T3 in the intestines. Order your At-Home Thyroid Test NOW! Results in 3 days! Collect your sample, mail it back in the prepaid envelope, and receive results by email or phone. Types Of Hypothyroidism There are three types of hypothyroidism - Primary, Secondary and Tertiary. Primary hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland itself malfunctions and produces inadequate amounts of thyroid hormone. There are a number of conditions that can cause it - iodine deficiency, Hashimoto's disease, various types of thyroiditis, some treatments and medications, thyroid tumors etc. Secondary or central hypothyroidism happens when the pituitary gland doesn't produce enough TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone AKA thyrotropin) to stimulate the thyroid to produce thyroid hormones. The cause may be something like a pituitary tumor. Tertiary hypothyroidism is caused by malfunctions in the hypothalamus, the section of the brain that controls the endocrine system. In this case, it doesn't produce enough TRH (thyrotropin-releasing hormone), the hormone that instructs the pituitary gland to produce TSH, the hormone that in turn stimulates the thyroid to produce thyroid hormones. There Are No Specific Foods For Hypothyroidism There is little scientific evidence to prove that any specific diet plan or types of foods can cure hypothyroidism but you can certainly help your thyroid by avoiding some foods. That's good news for most people with hypothyroidism because it means that you can still eat a wide variety of foods. It is the opinion of most experts that a healthy balanced diet coupled with necessary thyroid medication is the best treatment for hypothyroidism. Good Foods For Hypothyroidism That Should Be In Your Diet When considering what to eat if you have hypothyroidism there are a couple of things to bear in mind. The first is that some nutrients are very important for maintaining a healthy thyroid. These are: Iodine Selenium Zinc Therefore, ensuring you include foods that are rich in these nutrients is essential. Most health professionals also recommend that you get these via your diet rather than by taking supplements. If you do want to go down the supplements route, always speak to your doctor first. Iodine Rich Foods For Hypothyroidism We've already mentioned the importance of iodine to the thyroid. This means it's vital you get enough of it in your diet. Iodine deficiency remains the leading cause of hypothyroidism in developing nations. In most developed countries however the availability of something as simple as iodized salt along with iodine fortified staple foods has significantly reduced the incidence of iodine deficiency in those countries. Even so, iodine deficiencies are creeping up again in many countries thanks to largely unwarranted health warnings about the dangers of excess salt. Foods that are good sources of iodine include: Iodized Salt Seaweed or kelp - this is very high in iodine so exercise caution if using it because excess may damage the thyroid Seafood - notably cod, tuna and shrimp. Dairy products Eggs Prunes Interesting Questions about Thyroid: Have more questions? Need more answers? Check our Full Thyroid FAQ Selenium Rich Foods For Hypothyroidism Selenium deficiencies are a problem in some countries (China is a good example) and according to this report it could get worse as global warming affects our climate. Therefore fruit and vegetables grown in selenium deficient soils in these countries may likewise be selenium deficient. In addition to being the only organ that can absorb iodine, the thyroid also contains more selenium on a weight for weight basis than other organs. Selenium has several roles in thyroid function. First of all it's involved in the process that converts T4 to T3, the more metabolically active thyroid hormone which the body requires. Not having enough selenium inhibits this process and reduces the amount of thyroid hormone available to the body. Secondly, selenium is an antioxidant. The thyroid produces hydrogen peroxide as part of the process of manufacturing thyroid hormones, a process that also produces free radicals. Selenium limits the amount of oxidative damage these free radicals do to the thyroid. Selenium is found in foods like: Brazil nuts (one of the densest sources of selenium) Tuna, sardines, shellfish Lean meats Eggs Legumes ie beans Soy products Zinc Rich Foods For Hypothyroidism Zinc is another of those essential minerals we require for multiple purposes throughout the body. In the thyroid it helps selenium convert T4 to T3. There is evidence to suggest that zinc may also be needed to help regulate TSH. Fortunately zinc deficiencies are uncommon in developed countries but if you have hypothyroidism it's important to ensure you're getting enough of it. Zinc is found in foods like: Oysters - the highest natural source of zinc Crab, lobster and some other seafoods Red and white meat Legumes Nuts Whole grains Dairy Other Important Vitamins And Minerals You also need to ensure you're getting enough of the following: Iron Copper Vitamin E Vitamin D Vitamin B12 Order your At-Home Thyroid Test NOW! Results in 3 days! Collect your sample, mail it back in the prepaid envelope, and receive results by email or phone. What Are Not Good Foods For Hypothyroidism? As mentioned above there are some types of foods and medications that should be avoided if you have hypothyroidism as they can interfere with absorption of thyroxin. These include: Goitrogens - so called because of their known ability to potentially cause goiter: soy products cruciferous vegetables like kale, cabbage, spinach, broccoli fruits like pears, strawberries, peaches etc starchy fruits and vegetables some types of nuts and seeds like peanuts, pine nuts, millet If you do eat these they should be cooked to reduce the goitrogens and only eaten in moderation. Gluten products bread cereals pasta anything made from wheat and other flours that contain gluten Other Things To Avoid If You Have Hypothyroidism Some drinks can also irritate your thyroid notably coffee, green tea and alcohol. Highly processed foods are another one to take off your list because they will exacerbate your weight gain. What is necessary is a healthy life style with a balanced nutritious diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals. It should compromise vegetables, whole-grain foods, fruits, lean-meat and healthy fats in moderate quantities.